Five more Maine towns and cities are seeking to be designated as "business-friendly" by the state.

The Department of Economic and Community Development says Ellsworth, Fairfield, Lubec, Kennebunk and Topsham are under consideration for the third round of the state's Certified Business-Friendly Community Program. The state will announce next month who makes the cut.

The communities are evaluated on whether they have a business-friendly approach and have streamlined licensing and permitting requirements and reduced red tape. Fourteen municipalities have earned the designation since the program was launched earlier this year.

Communities deemed as business-friendly are given a certificate and a road sign to tout the award. They are also promoted by the state as being business-friendly.